Women Take Back the Night: An International Tradition
Women Take Back the Night is an international tradition with marches
and rallies occurring around the world since 1976. That year, in
Belgium, women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against
Women marched together in solidarity, holding candles to protest
the ways in which violence permeates the lives of women worldwide.
Women Take Back the Night rallies have been held annually in Sacramento
since 1979, which organizers believe may be a record unmatched elsewhere
in the United States. The event is organized totally by volunteers,
with active participation from many community based organizations
in the community.
The highlight of Take Back the Night is the march when women walk
through the night and reclaim the streets, which for many years
have been sources of fear and violence. Another important aspect
of Take Back the Night is the survivor testimonials. This serves
as a safe place for survivors of sexual violence to come forward
with testimonials, often sharing their experiences for the first
time. The Sacramento event also provides a special program for children
and an opportunity for men to come together at one point in the
evening to share ways for men to help end violence against women.
Sister events are held locally on different dates in Davis and
at California State University, Sacramento.
The Northern California Association for Women Take Back the Night
is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation. Contributions to the organization
are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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